FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

  

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Prof. D. SAMUEL LAWRENCE writes on the recent happenings .............    

                                               

 

The formation of a high level committee by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.Karunanidhi, to go into the American College problem with the view to finding a  solution, is definitely a step in the right direction and the C.M.deserves to be thanked and appreciated for this. The tireless and valiant efforts taken by Professor. Solomon Pappiah, coupled with the sustained campaign by the determined loyalists of the college,  have borne fruit. Right from day one, when the struggle to protect the American College from the devilish onslaught of the unscrupulous Bishop Christopher Asir started, Prof.Pappiah has been in the forefront leading by his shining example of  complete commitment and single-minded devotion to the noble cause. I have never seen him, not even once, waver in his unflinching faith that the God who, through his servants- missionaries, founded this noble institution, would never allow it to be gobbled up by any one, least of all, by one who proclaims himself to be a servant of God but in practice, a personification of all ungodly qualities. Unmindful of character assasination and even threats to his life, he has firmly and courageously continued his fight for justice for the College . He will continue to do so till the goal is achieved. The time and money  he has spent, the frequent travels he has made, and the various ways in which he has used his popularity, influence and contacts for the sake of the College so far, can never be forgotten.

 

Truly, the formation of the Committee, is a  positive sign that the Government is seized of the problem and is serious about finding a solution to it. But, we cannot afford to lower our guard . Knowing the unscrupulous nature of the 'enemy' and the money power, muscle power and the political connections he has, we have to be extremely vigilant and take all the steps necessary to present  the facts of the problem, with the supportive documents.  

 

The following points may be focussed:

1. The American College is a Christian college with a secular outlook. The founding fathers willed it so and it has been incorporated in the constitution also.

 

2. The College, right from its inception, has never been under the control of the Church. The Bishop's claim that it is a Diocesan college is a lie of the worst order.( Immediately after the struggle started, the Trustees of the college in the U.S.A , in their letters written to the adamant Bishop,  made this abundantly clear to him and expressed their displeasure on his wilful distortion of facts.) 

 

3. According to the Constitution, the Principal is also Secretary and he is the administrative head. The duty of the Chairman-Bishop is just to preside over the Governing Council meetings and conduct the proceedings. Nothing more; nothing less.

 

4.If the Bishop happens to be the Chairman of the Governing Council, it is only an honor bestowed upon him, in good faith . This was not so in the beginning. This was done only later, just to affirm the minority status of the institution.

 

5. The College has been known for upholding high principles of secularism,  in admission, appointment and in several other matters.. By and large,merit has been the only criterion. Other things being equal, of course, christians were preferred. ( This important hall mark of the College is bound to be buried fathoms deep by the Bishop, who does not know anything about the history or the traditions of the college.) There have been several non-christian Heads of Departments and occupying other important positions and their contribution to the growth and development of the college is substantial. Usually, the number of non-christian students are more than the christian students and they bring glory to the college.

 

6.The present Bishop has been well-known, rather notorious, for doing anything except what he ought to be doing. The autocratic way he has been conducting the church administration and the institutions under his control, the various ways he has misused his power, to sell Church property, misappropriation of Tsunami funds,ill-treatment of those working under him- transfer, suspension, dismissal etc.could be highlighted( This would present the true picture of the person trying to take over the college and with what intention. In admission and appointment, he could make a lot of money)

 

7.The college has made several strides during the  the last about 130 years of service to the student community, in the field of higher education. Some of them are: one of the first 15 colleges in  India to become autonomous, introduction of the Choice Based Credit System and exchange programmes with foreign universities.  

The list,of course, is not exhaustive. The points are to be supported by documents, reports, judgements etc; to make our position clear .

 

This struggle has had several ups and downs and twists and turns. We have seen traitors and time-servers and also puppets and yes-men. This is nothing but natural in any struggle. But, this great institution, founded by the selfless missionaries, through their sweat and sacrifice, to bring the light of knowledge to every one, irrespective of religion, caste etc; should remain so.  This  missionary institution cannot be allowed to be brought under the control of the greedy businessman-bishop and to be converted into a commercial enterprise. This is a fight between good and evil and right and wrong. There can be no room for compromise on this. 

 

Let the noble spirit of the founding fathers strengthen and guide us in this ongoing fight for truth and justice.

 

 

 

D.Samuel Lawrence